Llanover Estate had 35 hectares of grazing land in the Brecon Beacons National Park which was declining in profitability with an uncertain future due to the risk of reducing subsidies post Brexit. The Estate opted to change the land use from agriculture and an application was submitted to Welsh Government under the Glastir Woodland Creation Scheme.
A forest design plan was proposed and following negotiations with stakeholders and Natural Resources Wales a contract was offered by Welsh Government. The land was planted in 2018 with a mixture of species comprising sitka spruce, Norway spruce, Douglas fir, oak, wild cherry and alder. This mixture enhanced biodiversity whilst ensuring a future income from the commercial conifers.
In addition to the establishment grant the Estate will receive an annual payment for 12 years. It is expected that the productive conifer will be ready for its first thinning in 2033 with further thinnings every 5 years and a phased felling programme starting at year 35.
We registered the scheme, which has now been validated, with the Woodland Carbon Code and there are nearly 6000 carbon units available for sale.
80% of the timber used in the UK is imported and with domestic production forecast to decline as global demand increases it is anticipated that prices for home grown timber will increase. The Estate is looking forward to this woodland planting making a significant financial contribution in the coming years both from the sale of timber and carbon.
Testimonial
I was very pleased with Bronwin and Co’s stewardship of this complicated Glastir Woodland Creation application. It involved significant local consultation, sensitive design, and proactive management of the application process.
The physical planting was carried out with due care, as has been the ongoing management. The registration of carbon credits was an added bonus and will enhance value in the future.
As an estate we will certainly be planting more land in coming years through Bronwin & Abbey.
Ross Murray, Llanover Estate